30/11/2025
97% of first year UoG students fail to score above 50% in English Proficiency & Literacy.
Papua New Guinea is facing a significant education crisis, with a staggering 97% of entry-level students at tertiary institutions showing English and literacy deficiencies. This issue was further highlighted by the World Bank's 2024 May reported findings -72% of Grade 5 students are not reading with understanding, indicating a profound crisis in literacy and foundational education.
Data we have collected indicate that 80% of whole primary schools are collectively reading below grade level.
Library Box Series
The Library Box Series is a critical initiative, historically proven to address literacy in Papua New Guinea. Previously trialled in the 80/90s in PNG, this guided reading program will be a game changer building from ECE -setting kids up for success in upper primary and junior high.
While everyone is currently promoting school libraries as a solution, relying solely on school libraries will not be the most effective solution, especially given the current critical level of literacy deficiency.
A guided reading program, on the other hand, offers a more targeted and proactive approach.
Here's why:
- Direct Intervention: A guided reading program allows teachers to directly intervene and support students who are struggling with literacy, providing them with tailored guidance and feedback.
- Proactive Approach: By implementing a guided reading program, schools can proactively address literacy gaps before they become major issues, rather than waiting for students to fall behind.
- Complementary to ECE: The Library Box Series will complement Early Childhood Education (ECE) efforts, a guided reading program can build on ECE foundation, ensuring a smoother transition to primary education.
- Empowering Teachers: A guided reading program equips teachers with the tools and strategies to effectively support students, making them more confident in their ability to address literacy challenges.
The Library Box Series will be a valuable resource, but it's essential to integrate it into a broader, structured approach in literacy education. By doing so, we can ensure that students receive the support they need to develop strong literacy skills to reach their full potential during primary school where the gap exits.
The Library Box initiative is currently waiting final endorsement by the Education Department’s Board of Studies.
For more information on The Library Box Series and to register your school message us.
